Ancient Roundel Discovered in Prague: A Window to the Neolithic Era
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Chapter 1: The Discovery of the Roundel
Recently, archaeologists made a remarkable find on the outskirts of Prague, specifically in the Vinor district. They have uncovered a roundel, an architectural remnant from the Neolithic period, estimated to be around 7,000 years old. This discovery stands as one of the earliest examples of European architectural design.
The Goseck Circle — [Photo: Marcus O. Bst, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
In archaeological terms, a "roundel" refers not only to a round pot but also to circular structures built during the later Stone Age, specifically the Neolithic era. These round buildings were prevalent in Central Europe for several centuries, with findings reported in modern-day Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland. According to Radio Prague International, over 200 such structures have been identified across Europe, and one of them is located in the suburbs of Prague. As reported by Life Science, the roundel in Vinor measures 55 meters in diameter.
Czech archaeologists have been aware of this site since the 1980s when workers discovered the roundel while installing gas and sewer lines.
Section 1.1: The Purpose of Roundels
The earthen round structures were typically encircled by wooden palisades and might have been flanked by ditches leading to a central area. These structures usually featured multiple entrances from various directions, indicating they were gathering places for communities. However, the exact reasons for these congregations remain a topic of debate among scientists.
Researchers theorize that roundels may have served multiple roles, including ceremonial functions for significant community events, trade activities, or even as defensive structures. Miroslav Kraus, the lead archaeologist at the Prague site, posits that fully excavating the roundel could reveal its intended uses. Currently, the team has discovered pottery shards, animal remains, and stone tools, with radiocarbon dating expected to provide insights into the structure's age.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Search for Roundels
Our understanding of roundels in Central Europe has only developed over the past few decades. The first identified roundel was the Goseck Circle in Germany, discovered in 1991. This solar observatory, measuring 75 meters in diameter, was also found through aerial surveys, as roundels are more visible from above.
The Goseck Circle is notable for its double wooden palisade, dating back to 4800–4900 BC, and features three entrances aligned with sunrise and sunset during the solstices. This alignment has led scientists to propose that it may have functioned as a solar observatory or a timekeeping structure. Roundels were predominantly constructed until around 4600 BC, after which their construction ceased for reasons still unknown.
Chapter 2: Insights from the Find
As the excavation continues, more information about this ancient structure will emerge, potentially illuminating the lives of those who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.
In the video titled "Scientists Discovered A Pre-Historic Structure In The Desert That's Older Than Egypt's Pyramids," experts discuss the significance of ancient structures and what they reveal about early human civilization.
The second video, "Most MYSTERIOUS Archaeological Finds," explores various archaeological discoveries, including roundels, and their enigmatic pasts.
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